Head Start Teacher

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Center Director, the employee performs a range of tasks and duties associated with teaching students enrolled in the program aligned with Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF). These tasks and duties include, but are not limited to the following: planning developmentally appropriate lessons, programs, and activities, teaching enrolled student, supporting daily life-skills development, supervising children, ensuring safety, maintaining an effective teaching and learning environment, and supportive social and emotional development, observing students, providing social and emotional support, addressing student redirection promptly and in accordance with established policies and procedures, communicating student information with parents / guardians, conducting home visits, collaborating with families to support child development, documenting and reporting as required, ensuring all program components meet DHR guidelines and Head Start Performance Standards, participating in school management activities and contributing to overall school program, cleaning and sanitizing teaching areas, performing CPR and First Aid when needed, attending training workshops, staff meetings, pre-service, in-service, and required professional development sessions. This job is considered security-sensitive and is subject to a pre­employment background check.

Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following list was developed through a job analysis; however, it is not exhaustive, and other duties may be required and assigned. A person with a disability, which is covered by the ADA, must be able to perform the essential functions of the job unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Teaching. Employee performs a wide range of teaching tasks and duties associated with the effective education and development of students in the program.

1. Prepares lesson plans, programs, and activities for students
2. Teaches utilizing lesson plans, Head Start, ADHR guidelines, and other teaching standards and guides
3. Manages classroom and supervises students
4. Observes student activities, interactions, and behaviors
5. Assists students with learning daily life skills
6. Establishes and maintains an effective learning environment for students
7. Interacts with local education agencies
8. Makes home visits with student parents; conducts parent-teacher conferences when needed
9. Ensures student safety
10. Enters student documentation into system databases
11. Communicates with Parents / guardians
12. Monitors classroom supplies
13. Provides prompt redirection for children in accordance with established policies and procedures

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Reporting and Documenting. Employee prepares and submits all required reports associated with the program, documents student development and progress, parent communications and interactions and other program activities.

1. Prepares classroom prior to student arrival
2. Prepares and submits all required reports associated with teaching and managing the classroom
3. Documents student progress and performance; documents performance or achievement problems; communicates student performance with parents
4. Cleans classroom daily to ensure a safe learning environment for students and staff

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:

1. Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

(* Can be acquired on the job)

1. *Knowledge of SEARPDC, OHS, DHR, IDEA and other applicable agency rules, regulations, policies and procedures
2. *Knowledge of SEARPDC organizational programs
3. *Knowledge of safety rules including accident causation and prevention
4. Knowledge of effective teaching methods and practices for young children
5. Communication skills to effectively communicate internally and externally, both orally and in writing
6. Verbal skills to effectively communicate with co-workers, subordinates, supervisors, and parents
7. Writing skills to develop professional reports using correct English, grammar, punctuation, and spelling
8. Reading skills to understand and interpret state (ADHR), federal (Head Start) and SEARP&DC directives, procedures, and instructions
9. Math skills to perform basic mathematical calculations
10. Ability to prepare effective lesson plans in accordance with established guidelines and procedures
11. Ability to effectively teach young children
12. Ability to establish an effective and safe learning environment
13. Ability to prepare all required reports
14. Ability to document student progress and accomplishments
15. Ability to document student challenges and problems and to find effective ways to overcome these issues
16. Ability to effectively interact with parents concerning student progress and challenges
17. Ability to use computers and office productivity software.
18. Ability to maintain professional attitude
19. Ability to use a cellular and multiline telephone
20. Ability to deal with all contacts in a courteous and patient manner
21. Ability to prioritize work projects and multi-task
22. Ability to work with little or no supervision
23. Ability to drive

Minimum Qualifications

1. Possess an associate's degree in early childhood education or child development from an accredited (bachelor's degree preferred)
2. Minimum of one (1) year of work experience in early childhood education or childcare
3. Possess a current and valid driver's license and must be insurable
4. Ability to perform effective cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid procedures when required
5. Ability to pass a tuberculosis testing/screening examination
6. Ability to work non-standard hours or overtime when required
7. Ability to pass all DHR required background checks, including but not limited to CA/N Clearance, ABI/FBI check, physical, MVR, Pre-employment drug screen, and TB test

Physical Demands

The work requires physical exertion such as standing, walking, bending, cleaning, reaching, stooping, and carrying light items (up to 10 lbs.) on a regular basis. Duties also involve lifting and moving children and classroom materials (up to 40 lbs.) and engaging in floor-level interaction through kneeling, squatting, or sitting. Active supervision requires the ability to move quickly and safely throughout indoor and outdoor learning areas.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in a well-ventilated, temperature-controlled classroom. The environment may be busy and moderately noisy due to active learning and group activities. Duties take place both indoors and outdoors, requiring a tolerance for varying weather conditions during outdoor play, learning activities, and transitions. Employee may experience exposure to cleaning supplies, disinfectants, and typical childhood illnesses. The role also includes daily interaction with children, families, and staff, and requires maintaining a safe, sanitary, and developmentally appropriate environment across all program areas. Travel between program sites and participation in occasional community or family engagement events may be required.

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